Dorset Blue Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Dorset Blue Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
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What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?
Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dorset Blue Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Dorset, England | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Skimmed | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Firm | Semihard |
| Rind | Rough, dry brown mold coating | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | 12 to 20 weeks | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Piquant, peppery, mild to strong | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Dorset Blue Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?
Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Dorset Blue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.